Narendra Modi unveils the Pamban Bridge, a milestone project enhancing India’s railway connectivity. Costing $66 million and spanning 2.08 kilometers over the Palk Strait, it is the country’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge. This new structure links Rameswaram, a prominent pilgrimage destination, to the Indian mainland, replacing the 110-year-old bridge decommissioned in 2022 due to aging and high maintenance.
A trial run was successfully completed ahead of the bridge’s official inauguration. During the inauguration, PM Modi remotely activated the bridge’s vertical-lift mechanism, demonstrating the operation of its 72.5-meter central span. The span can rise up to 17 meters to allow larger marine vessels to pass beneath without disruption to rail traffic. Modi also flagged off the first train service over the bridge—the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express—and launched a Coast Guard vessel to mark the start of the bridge’s operational life.
Built to endure the tough coastal climate, the bridge boasts 99 spans and advanced anti-corrosion features, including stainless steel reinforcements and a durable polysiloxane coating. With fully welded joints and support from 333 piles and 101 pile caps, the structure ensures long-term stability. The dual-track design allows it to accommodate both heavy freight services and semi-high-speed trains, like the Vande Bharat Express, making it a future-ready asset for Indian Railways.
The initial bridge functioned as a vital route for trade and pilgrimage for more than 100 years. However, persistent corrosion and high repair costs led to the decision for a modern replacement. Construction began in 2019 after the foundation stone was laid, and the new structure now stands three meters taller than its predecessor—allowing smaller ships to pass without lifting the span.
Modi’s visit to Rameswaram also included prayers at the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple and the launch of road and rail development initiatives valued at over $1 billion, aimed at transforming regional connectivity across Tamil Nadu.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the new Pamban Bridge as a marvel of Indian engineering and a symbol of Tamil culture and pride. The inauguration has been met with enthusiasm for its potential to invigorate tourism, enhance trade routes, and modernize transport in southern India.
